Mid Century and Mid Century Modern (MCM) furniture are not the same thing. Actually, there is a world of difference. While Mid Century Modern refers to the design movement that became popular after WWII in 1945, Modern Design developed in the 1930s, and is a precursor to MCM, with key figures such as Le Corbusier. This philosophy, based on simple form and function, lead to Mid Century Modern Design. Read on to learn more!
Furniture Over Time
If you love interior design, terminology matters. The terms Mid Century and Mid Century Modern, which might seem interchangeable, have nuances you may not have heard about before. Once you understand the differences between them, you will be able to pick the pieces of furniture that will impress your design-savvy visitors.
During WWII, people had more serious things to think about than furniture or design, so interior decoration remained in the greens and browns of the 1930s. After the war, and in the middle of a post-war rationing period, designers went for the extra mile to create affordable and practical furniture.
Only those with a genuine need for furniture were allowed to get it. Fabrics, generally, would come in colours that would not show the dirt, and chairs were low-backed in order to save wood. By the 1950s, interest in interiors returned, and many designers got their inspiration from art.
The most well-known creators of mid-century modern furniture include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Harry Bertoia, and Charles and Ray Eames. Their furniture designs are still in high demand today and have become famous. With many people now recognizing its clean lines, usability, and timeless design, mid-century modern furniture has seen a recent upsurge in favour.
The surrealist paintings of Spanish painter Joan Miró, for instance, were copied on ceramics, curtains and carpets. Department stores like John Lewis started to import Scandinavian furniture. The countries of origin included Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. At the moment, we are the largest North American dealers of Mid Century Modern Furniture. And the good news is, we are based in Ottawa.
Danish Furniture
MCM was, and is, about being minimal. Furniture serves a purpose, and function is the primary focus of all design. For this reason, lines were kept clean from the very beginning. Especial interest in Danish design in America began when Edgar Kaufmann Jr, from the MoMA, acquired some items for the Fallingwater home, which ultimately lead to mass-production.
Characteristics of Mid Century Modern Furniture
The world seems to be obsessed with Mid Century Modern Design. Today, more than ever, its looks are literally everywhere. In the 1980s, the interest in the period started to return. Here are 4 characteristics of this type of furniture:
- Colours: A pop of excitement, but not too much
- Materials: Wood, particularly teak. Also plastic, glass and metal
- Lines: Smooth surfaces and clean lines and curves
- Pattern and Texture: an essential combination
Differences Between Mid-Century and Mid-Century Furniture
Both mid-century and mid-century modern furniture were created in the same era, from the 1930s through the 1960s, making them comparable. There are some distinctions between the two, though:
- Mid-century modern furniture refers especially to furniture designs that are contemporary and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic shapes. Mid-century furniture often refers to furniture pieces that were developed and produced during the mid-20th century.
- While mid-century modern furniture designers were influenced by the Bauhaus movement, which stressed the use of contemporary materials like steel, glass, and plastic, mid-century furniture designers used natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal.
- Mid-century contemporary furniture prioritized simplicity and shunned adornment, but mid-century furniture designs frequently contained intricate detailing.
- Whereas mid-century furniture concentrated more on style and ornamentation, mid-century modern furniture was created to fulfill the needs of a new generation of homeowners who were searching for elegant, practical, and functional furniture that mirrored the modern sensibilities of the time.
Mid-century modern furniture is a distinct subgroup of mid-century furniture that prioritizes efficiency and simplicity above adornment and flair, despite significant overlap between the two styles overall.
Most Popular Mid Century Modern Furniture Designs:
MCM is timeless, contemporary, and looks good in almost any space. In case you were wondering which are the most iconic Mid Century Modern Furniture pieces, here are some of the ones you definitely need to know:
- Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Charles and Ray Eames)
- Arco Floor Lamp (Flos)
- Florence Knoll Sofa (Florence Knoll)
- Noguchi Table (Isamu Noguchi)
- Egg Chair (Arne Jacobsen)
- Starbust Clock (Nelson Associates)
- Ball Chair (Eero Aarnio)
- Jacaranda Sideboard (Sergio Rodrigues)
If you are located in Ottawa, come by our store to browse our selection of both Mid-Century & Mid-Century Modern furniture.
FAQs
There are some distinctions between the two, though: Mid-century modern furniture refers especially to furniture designs that are contemporary and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic shapes. Mid-century furniture often refers to furniture pieces that were developed and produced during the mid-20th century.
Will mid-century modern ever go out of style? ›
Midcentury modern bedrooms are calm, tranquil, timeless spaces that never seem to go out of style. Midcentury modern refers to the decorating style that rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.
Can you mix mid-century modern furniture with other styles? ›
There's no rule book that says you should decorate an entire room in nothing but mid century décor, for example. In fact, it can be so much fun to mix and match eras and styles for a look that perfectly reflects your style.
What style is closest to mid-century modern? ›
Bohemian style is included in the mid-century modern brand because both share many of the same influences. Many bohemian furniture pieces are inspired by mid-century modern design but use raw or mixed wood instead of plastic or other materials.
Is mid-century modern out in 2024? ›
However, according to Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs, we can expect a mid-mod style evolution in 2024 as the modern shapes of the 1960s that reigned since 2020 make way for some 1970s bohemianism.
Why do millennials like mid-century modern? ›
Mid-Century Modern, in short, is clean line minimalism celebrating the beauty in simplicity. In a time where technology and information is cluttering Millennials' minds, we (yes, me included) are drawn to the ease of this style. Millennials also crave authenticity and individuality.
Do people still build mid-century modern homes? ›
Even some 60 years since its heyday, the style has endured and serves as the inspiration for many of today's most prominent trends. Instantly recognizable, homes built with midcentury modern designs continue to attract buyers who are looking for a contemporary layout with stylish finishes.
Is there a difference between mid-century and mid-century modern furniture? ›
There are some distinctions between the two, though: Mid-century modern furniture refers especially to furniture designs that are contemporary and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic shapes. Mid-century furniture often refers to furniture pieces that were developed and produced during the mid-20th century.
How to blend modern and mid-century modern? ›
Mid-century Modern vs Contemporary Design: How to Mix these...
- Muted tones or vibrant colors (avoid the in-between)
- Clean furniture lines.
- A mix of both natural and manmade materials. ...
- Geometric shapes or lines.
- Mixing indoor and outdoor themes (for example, a chaise lounge in the living room)
Mid-century modern refers to the movement that became popular post World War Two in 1945, while Mid-century is a style that developed earlier in the 1930s. While the two are similar in terms of shapes and styles, the main difference can be found in the use of color.
By mixing some mid-century modern pieces into the design, modern interiors can stop being so stuffy, and start feeling like fun again. Now, I hear what you're thinking, “Mid-century modern and modern are not the same thing.” You're absolutely right.
What style compliments Mid-Century? ›
Because of its functionality, sleek lines, and no-frills designs, midcentury modern style pairs well with other styles. Scandinavian and industrial styles, in particular, are great matches, but mixing with rustic and farmhouse styles demands a certain confidence.
Is Scandinavian style mid-century modern? ›
Scandinavian design vs mid century modern. The terms are often used interchangeably. The style known as mid-century modern was an American reflection of the Scandinavian and Bauhaus movements. So there is an overlap between the two, and they both use clean lines, organic and streamlined forms, and no embellishment.
What is the biggest interior design trend in 2024? ›
AD PRO consulted the experts, and 2024 promises to be a year of thoughtfully chosen offbeat colors, a mix-and-match approach to the designs of different time periods, and a return to romanticism, with jewel tones and florals offering a flirty, old-fashioned respite from the onward march of technology.
What decor style is in for 2024? ›
"Biophilic design will thrive in 2024," says Curtis. "This trend centers around bringing the outdoors inside, creating spaces that foster a stronger connection with nature.
Is mid-century modern furniture timeless? ›
Mid-century modern style has been a popular design trend for decades, and it's not hard to see why. This style is characterized by clean lines, bold colors, and a focus on functionality, making it a great choice for those who want a timeless look that's both stylish and practical.
Is mid-century modern making a comeback? ›
The cyclical nature of design trends often sees past styles revisited and reimagined. However, the Mid-Century Modern style isn't just another trend; it's a testament to an era of optimism, innovation, and change. Today, as we reintroduce these elements into our homes, we're not just echoing a bygone era.
When did mid-century modern end? ›
Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.
Why is mid-century modern timeless? ›
In conclusion, the timeless appeal of mid-century modern design lies in its simplicity, functionality, durability, and universality. Whether you're a fan of traditional design or prefer a more contemporary look, mid-century modern pieces can fit seamlessly into a variety of styles and aesthetics.
